Elementary School Teacher Salary in Sahuarita, AZ: $46,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Sahuarita, AZ earns a median $46,773/year (≈ $22.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Sahuarita's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $47,485 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Sahuarita, Arizona, the projected median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in 2026 is $46,773, which is significantly lower than the national median of $64,597. The local salary range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $37,839 and experienced educators earning as much as $72,498. It's essential to consider that these figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. With a growing demand for teachers, particularly in special education, STEM, and bilingual education, additional shortage stipends can enhance base pay, making teaching positions a more attractive option in the Sahuarita job market, which currently employs five elementary school teachers.
About the Sahuarita Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,839 | $18.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,771 | $21.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,773 | $22.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,595 | $27.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,498 | $34.86 |
Median Salary Position
27.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sahuarita
In Sahuarita, AZ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,659 (2026 est.). At $46,773, the local median is 27.59% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sahuarita: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sahuarita Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Sahuarita median: $46,773/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sahuarita Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $48,469 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -27.59% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Sahuarita, AZ earn a median of $46,773 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.59% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.50% below the Arizona state average of $48,469.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sahuarita has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sahuarita, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $46,773 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,485 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,205
2025 BLS Actual
$46,319
2026 Current Est.
$46,773
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Sahuarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,205 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,125 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,668 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,109 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,319 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sahuarita metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $43,205 (2019) to $46,319 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,026 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sahuarita metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,839 – $43,771 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,771 – $46,773 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,773 – $57,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,595 – $72,498 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Sahuarita
The local job market for elementary school teachers in Sahuarita is characterized by a relatively small pool of educators, with only five currently employed. This limited workforce is essential to address the area's educational needs, especially given the cost-of-living index of 98.5, indicating that living expenses are slightly below the national average. For teachers seeking higher salaries, the most lucrative opportunities typically lie within K-12 public school districts where pay is structured according to the district's step-and-lane model, factoring in years of experience and educational attainment. Additionally, those pursuing shortage area stipends, participation in summer school contracts, or after-school tutoring can also significantly increase their compensation. To make the most of the Sahuarita market, educators should consider obtaining National Board Certification or pursuing advanced degrees, which can further augment their earnings.
More salary data for Sahuarita, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,319 for elementary school teachersin the Sahuarita metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sahuarita is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov